Complaints

This profile includes complaints for National University's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  National University

  9388 Lightwave Ave San Diego, CA 92123-1426

  
• 

  National University

  11255 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037-1011

  
• 

  National University

  7787 Alvarado Rd La Mesa, CA 91942-8243

  
• 

  National University

  2488 Historic Decatur Rd Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92106-6134

  
• 

  National University

  660 Bay Blvd Ste 110 Chula Vista, CA 91910-5200

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/14/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This university used to be one of the good ones out there and they have fallen apart. I have been trying to get a hold of them since August to fix get my financial aid award and they dont provide a response. I have called and emailed and no one answers or replies, I keep getting statements from them in the mail but when I contact them to figure out my financial aid I get no response. Its hard to even get a hold of my advisor. When I need something he doesnt respond to any emails. It took me over 2 months to finally get a hold of him. I am trying to get a hold of him again to see if maybe he knows what is holding up my financial aid and he isnt responding again. I am contemplating in filing a lawsuit at this point if I dont get a response. I really dont understand how a university can run like this.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/04/2023

   

  Dear **********************,
  

  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We have reviewed the complaint you filed with the BBB and would like to extend our sincere apologies for the frustration you experienced while attempting to reach a member of our advising team.
  We understand that a National University advising team member has contacted you and that your financial aid has been processed.
  Please do not hesitate to contact the ****** of ******* Affairs if you have any further questions or concerns. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************
  **********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/06/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  After enrolling in National university I experience multiple red flags. It took 3 months 7/2023 to 9/2023 for the university to process my Pell ****** During this time they instead took the student loan I requested for housing for payment instead. Since they prioritized the loan. Then after many phone calls I decided to leave the school because I had lost trust in the institution. I was told there would be no issue with using student aid elsewhere and that ******** ***** would cover the charges for the 2 course I took (and passed). This was incorrect, I received notification later that I didn't qualify for all ******** ****** Since I didn't finish the semester. I was upset since I asked about this before withdrawing. I was also told they did not know how much I would owe, and I would received notication once they had worked it out.Fast forward another month, and I received a collection notice in the mail (this was the 1st communication I had received). I attempted to call the school but was transferred back and forth between 2 departments, and was told this was all my fault. (I had elected not to keep the loans, since I was switching schools and told I would not owe anything originally) I asked multiple times to talk to a supervisor since the communication between me and the other people was not productive. I was told no, and i was being mean for asking. I would like my account to be taken out of collection and be sent an invoice. So I can pay it.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/16/2023

   

   

  Good afternoon,
  
  This is to inform you that ******************** has received the requested invoice and all collection activities have been stopped.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************
  ************
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/27/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/27/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I withdrew from this college due to the lack of effort and support from the staff. I withdrew at the end of July 2023 I was told on multiple occasions that it would take 2-4 weeks to process my return to lender. However, it has been 2 months and I call the college every day because I need my account settled and the staff tell me there is no one I can talk to they will send an email and contact me in 24 hours. I don't hear anything back and today I called 14 times for them to keep hanging up on me. I have found a college that is better suited for me and my needs and I need my account at ********************** completed so it does not hold up my educational progress.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/11/2023

   

   

  Dear **************,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.  We have processed your request to withdraw from National University, and as part of that process, we performed a withdrawal calculation, which determined the amount to be returned to the ********** of ********* in compliance with federal regulations.

  
  We sent you a detailed email on 09/29/23 containing all the relevant information about the R2T4 (return of Title IV) calculation and the amount that was returned to the ********** of *********.
  
  Please contact the ****** of ******* Affairs at ********** if you have any additional concerns.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/19/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This school lacks accountability, I was in north central university and lets just say it was a nightmare. I consistently had to call every month to ensure my financial aid and Va payment was requested and even then the finance department made mistakes which caused delays. My advisor was non existent. ******** calls with no response. When the merge of schools happen it became worse some how it took even longer to for them to get my chapter 31 payment 10 weeks to be exact to only find out they received it and never posted it. Then cause financial hardship to my family because of the delay. Then same issue yet again. Will not release funds because Va has not paid. Funny thing is when I called to find out why it had not posted and addressed my concerns shortly I get an email from VA that a request of payment had been requestedonce again delayed. I am on week 4 of my class and the request should have been put in 3 weeks ago but it never did. I call to get answers no one can take accountability. At this point ** just happy that this is my final class. I want an answer explaining and addressing my issues immediately.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/28/2023

   

  Dear ****************,
  

  We sincerely apologize for the frustration you have been experiencing and appreciate your patience in this matter. Our records indicate that you have been in contact with the VA team to ensure your account is up to date. After reviewing your account, we updated it, and disbursements were released on 9/21/2023. We understand that it is crucial for you to receive your stipend in a timely manner. However, it is important to note that courses are not certified until the add/drop period. Once the certification process is complete, we will send an invoice for payment toward your tuition and fees. Any remaining balance will then be disbursed to you.
  

   

  Sincerely, 

   

  *************************

  **********

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/17/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am currently at the end of my Master's program with National for ****************** I received an internship eligibility packet from National with an email to send the completed packet to. My employer sent the packet to the email listed on the document at the beginning of August. I never heard anything back, and I called on August 31st to get an update. I was told that the Univeristy changed the email address for credentials, so my paperwork needed to be sent to a different email address. This change was never communicated, so valuable time was lost as I began teaching in an intern capacity in August. Then, I received an email on 9/3 that they could not find my paperwork and wanted me to re-send it. I replied by the exact time on August 31st that the email was sent. I made at least a dozen attempts between September 14 and September 15 to get someone from credentials on the phone, but it kept going straight to voicemail. I then called the concierge phone number and was told the credentialing department is short staffed and my paperwork was in a queue to be processed. My paycheck is being withheld by San Diego County because I do not have the proper credential to by teaching the class. This is not sustainable, and I needed my paperwork expedited.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/27/2023

   

   

  
  Dear ***************,
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
  We apologize for any frustration you may have experienced regarding the return of your internship packet to the Credential Department.  We understand that the Associate **** of Students has been in touch with you, providing assistance and ensuring that your packet is processed as soon as possible.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *************************

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/09/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My actual interaction with NU's online system commenced on the start date of July 24, 2023, after my return from vacation on July 22, 2023. I contracted COVID-19, unbeknownst to me until mid-week. Despite my illness, I endeavored to complete my first assignment and communicated my condition to my advisor via email on July 31, 2023. Regrettably, I received no response, and my inability to access my school emails compounded the situation. When I eventually regained access, I discovered that my professor had reported me to the **** for plagiarism. I promptly responded, explaining my illness to the **** and expressing my intent to withdraw from the university on August 2, 2023. Subsequently, I emailed the advisor to discuss dropping the class and formally withdrawing on July 31, 2023.My discussion with the advisor regarding withdrawal revealed the associated costs, and I felt pressured to persist despite my dissatisfaction with NU's academic processes on August 3, 2023: Nevertheless, the ********************** ultimately withdrew me, depriving me of access to the course system on August 3, 2023.Assistance from the IT department took nearly a week, causing me to fall significantly behind in my coursework I was finally able to gain access to the schools website on August 8, 2023 I recognized that the program's structure resembled that of a bachelor's or master's program, deviating from my original expectations of a doctoral degree. In light of these circumstances, I submitted a formal withdrawal letter on August 14, 2023 This withdrawal was acknowledged by ************** on August 15, 2023.I was subsequently provided with a cost analysis indicating a balance of $4,636.00, an increase of $657.00 on August 16, 2023 My primary concern is whether NU can unilaterally increase the charges after establishing a course cost. I was presented with a financial burden that I was unable to immediately settle, making me feel taken advantage of.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/19/2023

   

   

  Dear *************,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We are sorry to learn that the structure of our program did not meet your expectations for a doctoral degree,which ultimately led to your decision to withdraw from National University.
  Upon reviewing your request, National University's leadership approved the write-off in the amount of $657, and the adjustment is now reflected in your account. This amount represents the difference between the initial estimate presented to you and the most recent amount, indicating an increase of $657.  

  Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.  

  Sincerely,
  

  *************************

   
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/20/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *********************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/08/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am in a teaching program and have spent thousands of dollars. I have repeatedly emailed them about needing my intern credential because I have started my job, but they have done nothing. I cannot get a single person on the phone from the credentialing department. I have filed so many complaints with the school. My program sunsets June of **** and they said if I did not get my intern program completed by the date then I have no idea what this means for me and all the money and time I have spend at this school.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/21/2023

   

   

  To Whom it May ********
  
  Thank you for bringing *************** complaint to our attention. According to our records, ************ received the Internship Eligibility Packet associated with her program. Clear instructions were provided on how to complete and submit the packet to the National University-Credentials Department.
  
  However, when ************ returned the packet on 07/24/23, some necessary information was missing. The employer portion of the packet was incomplete, and she did not attach the letter from her employer. We emailed her on 08/03/23, 08/04/23, and 08/08/23 and by phone on 08/11/23 to discuss the missing information.
  
  ************ submitted the missing information to complete her packet on 08/16/23. On 08/17/23, ************ received a notification from her programs Department Director that the Internship Packet and the letter from her employer were submitted to the Clinical Practice Coordinator, who will assist ************ with her internship. In conclusion, we have been in active communication with ************ regarding her Internship Eligibility Packet to best support her in her program. I hope we may consider this matter to be closed.
  

   

  Sincerely,

  *************************
  

  National University

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Since the merge, I have had countless issues with National that are beyond irritating. I cant get through to anyone because they dont have phone numbers right now since the merge and its ridiculous that I have to wait nearly a month for a reply from anyone or I just dont get a response at all. All Im trying to do is finish my School Psychology MA and trying to get enrolled into the intern class and finish the application process to start my hours has been nearly IMPOSSIBLE. They say the district I have placement with doesnt have a MOU, when the district assured me that they do have active and contacted with until ****, and even sent me a copy as proof. All the school psych resources have VANISHED and I cant find or get through to anyone. I dont know what happened or whats going on, but all I want do is finish and get as far away from this program as possible. Im sad with the direction its gone. It started off great, but since COVID National has fully dropped off and doesnt care about its students or how their lack of follow through effects their lives. Someone needs to get ahold of this place and get it together.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/06/2023

   

  
  Dear ******,  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. 
  You will be contacted today to receive assistance with the issues you described in your complaint.   

  Sincerely, 

  *************************

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/19/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I went through the enrollment process for the nationals SCHOOL PSYCH program. They were non responsive to emails and the phone lines listed were saying they had been disconnected. When I finally got through to someone after weeks of no contact they said they had a system change and they could not email me or provide me new numbers for contacts to help me login to my school login but that I was enrolled. They told me because of this I missed the deadline and I would have to enroll in August. This business should not be in the business of education if they cant communicate essential information about changes to their system that affect students. They were disorganized and even after sending them my information they requested a month after they continued to say they did not receive it.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2023

   

   

  Thank you for contacting National University.  We apologize for the delayed responses to ******************** inquiries. National University is undergoing changes in advising and is currently fine-tuning these changes to serve our students better.  The senior leadership has been made aware of the issues encountered by ****************** while attempting to enroll at National University,and it is working to address them. We hope ****************** will reconsider her decision to join National University.
  Please be assured that the satisfaction of our students is a priority and is taken very seriously.

  Sincerely.
  

  *************************

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/17/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  National University is claiming I owe $2,074.50 and has sent my account to a collections agency, **** ******** **** However, on 8/9/2022 I sent in the needed documentation to receive the Beneplace 15% tuition reduction. By the middle of November the discount had still not been applied. I was contacted b* ***** ******* on 11/15/2022 saying I qualified for the discounted tuition and asking me to send in the documentation. I informed him I had and resent the documentation to him on 11/29/2022. By mid December I had not heard anything on the status of my discounted tuition. I sent an email to ********* ****** on asking for assistance. I was told by her on 12-20-2022 that ***** had not applied the discount to my account yet and asked me to send her the documentation. I sent it to her on 11/21/2022. She replied on 1/3/2023 that she would have the discount applied to my account ASAP. I have not heard anything about this matter since, not unit I received a notice on 2/2/2023 from the collection agency. I have already made three full payments (see attached "Three Payments Made") of $1,989.00. If you add these to the $2,074.50 it totals $8,041.50. Multiply this by the 15% discount and it totals $1,206.23. Instead of the $2,074.50 National University is saying I owe, it should only be $868.27. I was only waiting till the 15% was applied to my account to pay my final payment. I would like National University to send an updated invoice to reflect the amount of $868.27 and remove my account from collections as this could negatively impact my credit score.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2023

   

  
  Thank you for bringing Mr. ********’ concerns to our attention.  The discount was applied to the account, which it is now corrected. Please note that the Loan Science organization is a pre-collect company working for National University to make calls. They do not report to the credit reporting agencies, therefore Mr. ********’ credit was not affected.  The Loan Science organization was instructed to stop contacting Mr. ******** as soon this issue was brought to our attention.
  
  Sincerely
  
  ***** *******